Self-leveling berth for vessels



(N0 Model.)

(J. G. SANDERSON.

Self-Leveling Berth for Vessels.

No. 228,278. Patented June 1, 1880.

N.FEYERS, PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHER, WASHINGTON? (LC.

NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES C. SANDERSON, OF DEDHAM, MASSACHUSETTS.

SELF-LEVELING BERTH FOR VESSELS.

SPECIFICATION formingpart of Letters Patent No. 228,278, dated June 1, 1880.

Application filed April 7, 1880.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, CHARLES O.'SANDER- SON, of Dedham, in the county of Norfolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain Improvements in Self-LevelingBerths for Vessels, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to that class of self-leveling sleeping berths for vessels moving freely upon a universal joint and having a counterpoise-weight underneath for the purpose of steadying the berth and keeping it in proper position.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows an elevation, and Fig. 2 a horizontal section below theberth-frame of a berth with my improvement attached.

Heretofore, in constructing berths of this character, it has been customary to attach crossed, spiral, or other suitable springs to the berth-frame, extending in a nearly vertical direction to the floor or other fixed points of contact, for the purpose of assisting to steady and regulate the movements of the berth independent of the vessels motion, and to cause it to return to its normal position when not occupied.

In this method of arranging and attaching these springs, however, the action of the counterpoise-weight beneath the center of the berth is, to a certain extent, neutralized, and to obviate this it is necessary to attach a heavier weight than would otherwise be employed to overcome the resistance of the springs and preserve the equilibrium of the berth as the vessel pitches and rolls.

In my improvement I attach spiral or other suitable springs directly to the counterpoiseweight, and extend these springs laterally in various directions to points of attachment on fixed supports independent of the berth itself. By this improved method of arranging and attaching the springs the action of the counterpoise-weight is aided instead of retarded by the strain upon the springs, and the difficulty encountered under the old method of attachment is entirely overcome.

In the drawings, to which I now refer in illustration of my improvement, A represents the berth-frame of a self-leveling berth, mov- (No model.)

ing freely upon the universal joint B, and maintained in a normally level position by the counterpoise weight 0. Attached to this weight, upon each side, are the springs a, ex tending laterally in a nearly horizontal position to fixed supports D, independent of the berth itself.

By so attaching these springs it is evident that all the advantages of the old method of attachment are retained, while the weight is rendered more steady and its action materially assisted instead of retarded by the weight of the springs and the strain produced upon them by the movement of the berth in either direction. It will therefore oe possible to employ a smaller counterpoise-weight, rendering it less clumsy and unwieldy, besides reducing the cost of construction.

It is evident that my improvement above described is applicable to all selfleveling shelves, floors, racks, settees, or similar constructionsfor vessels in which a counterpoiseweight is employed for the purpose of maintaining them in a horizontal position independent of the motion of the vessel.

I do not claim, broadly, the combination, with a counterpoised Weight, of springs con necting the berth to rigid objects adjacent, as I am aware that this is not new. So far as I know, however, the springs have always been attached directly to the berth itself, and have extended in a nearly vertical direction from the berth.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to have secured to me by Letters Patent, is-

In combination with a pivoted berth and a counterpoise-weight attached thereto, a series of lateral substantially-horizontal springs, attached directly to the weight and extending therefrom to suitable fixed supports, as set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses this 29th day of "March, A. D. 1880.

CHARLES C. SANDERSON. Witnesses:

H. G. WADLEY, O. F. BROWN. 

